Irricana Town council directed administration to prepare a report comparing paying councillors a flat or hourly rate, Dec. 5.
The move was made after discussion about 2011 cost overruns for councillor salaries, benefits and training.
Councillor Josh Taylor proposed a decrease in councillors’ salaries from the current $30 per hour to $20 per hour.
Councillor Frank Dusome argued a flat rate would be better.
“If we go to a salary system, budgetting would be nice and simple,” he said. “Otherwise anyone who wants to make a lot of money can load up on board work.”
Councillor Larry Martin disagreed, saying a flat rate would not be equitable, as some boards require more time and effort than others. Instead, he favoured the status quo.
“The amount we are paid was set by a previous council and it needs to be honoured,” said Martin.
Dusome was keen for change.
“If we don’t change it now, it won’t happen for another year,” he said.
“This is the logical time. Are we here to make money, or are we here for the town?”
On top of the $30 hourly rate, Irricana pays its council 80 cents per kilometre for milage and travel time.
Saying Municipal Affairs representatives had advised her to seek council’s approval to attend meetings.
Mayor Lisa Constantini recommended council authorize her attendance at three meetings.
The meetings include the Community Service Board annual dinner on Dec. 14 and Calgary Regional Partnership executive meetings on Nov. 30 and Dec. 16.
Permission was granted for the extra expenditure by a 3-2 vote with councillors Andrew Carr and Dusome opposed, citing budget constraints.
“The mayor already receives an extra $300 per month for the increased work load such as meetings and ribbon cuttings,” said Dusome.
Taylor, who was in favour of granting permission, said he understood the extra salary is for “cheque signing, giving opinions and other extra responsibilities, not for attending extra meetings.”
Martin, Taylor and Constantini voted in favour of the request.
CAO Alvin Melton reported he had been in touch with the RCMP about the vandalism that occurred to Old Smoky.
The cost of repair is currently being determined, and Melvin said the RCMP indicated those responsible will have the option to pay for the repairs or be charged.
Council learned those responsible had been caught about two weeks ago
Carr reported the construction of the Crossfield Senior’s Lodge is moving along.
The Crossfield Order of Eastern Star has committed to provide $4,000 towards the project. The money will be used to sponsor a sunroom and guest room at the new lodge.
Budget deliberations continued with council attempting to cut where possible.
Melton informed council that without further cuts, a home with an assessment of $221,000 will face a tax increase of $162 in 2012.
While the budget process is not yet finalized, council decided to increase the library’s funding from just under $12 per capita to around $17 per capita.
This is still short of the $22 per capita paid by some other municipalities this size.
The library will also receive MSI funding.
Council directed staff to get more information about combining the $9,000 gardener’s position with that of a summer student.
Melton said Irricana will be hiring a dogcatcher, but the costs will likely be offset by penalties and fees charged to the owners.
The next meeting of council is Dec. 19 in Council Chambers at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.
